Align Ingredients
The ingredients in Align Probiotic capsules are as follows:
- B. infantis 36524
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Hypromellose (vegetarian capsule shell)
- Sugar
- Magnesium stearate
- Milk protein
- Titanium dioxide
- Sodium citrate dihydrate
- Propyl gallate
- FD&C; blue #1 (colorant)
- Riboflavin (colorant)
Advantages
In terms of advantages, Align probiotic capsules can be stored at room temperature unlike many probiotic supplements, which require refrigeration. This makes them ideal for “on the go” use and thus ideal for taking on vacation. Align probiotics also have a longer shelf-life (24 months) than many other probiotic supplements.
The product is also free from lactose, soy and gluten and so is suitable for those allergic or sensitive to these products. Its vegetable-based capsules also makes it appropriate for vegetarians.
Children can also take Align probiotic supplements. If however you are unsure as to whether or not this product is suitable for your child, be sure to consult your child’s physician for advice.
According to its website, Align Probiotic also comes recommended by gastroenterologists (also known as gastrointestinal or GI doctors). Among those gastroenterologists who recommend probiotics, Align purports to be the favored brand. Visit https://probiotics-help.com/common-cpap-masks-you-can-find-in-australia/ to read about Common CPAP masks you can find in Australia.
This product also receives very positive customer reviews on Amazon.com. Click here to read these reviews.
Many report that it has helped with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and associated symptoms including chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas (flatulence) and bloating.
Furthermore, the specific strain of Bifidobacteria infantis used in the product (strain 35624) has been scientifically proven to help the symptoms of IBS2,3,4 specifically incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, bowel dysfunction and gas.
Finally, the manufacturers of this product offer a money back guarantee should you not be satisfied with your purchase. See the Align website for further details.
Disadvantages
As far as the disadvantages of this product are concerned, this product contains a significant number of additional synthetic ingredients including lubricants, (magnesium stearate) stabilizers, (sodium citrate dihydrate, propyl gallate) binders and fillers (microcrystalline cellulose). Additionally, it contains the whitener titanium dixoide as well as colorants (FD&C; blue #1 and riboflavin).
This product is therefore not likely to be suitable for more sensitive people. If you have problems with food additives or colorants or are suffering from food intolerance symptoms, then you would be wise to select a purer product, such as one from the Custom Probiotics range. These are free from fillers or binders, colors, flavors and artificial additives.
This product also contains sugar so also is not appropriate for those following a strict sugar-free diet.
With only one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotic bacteria per serving, Align probiotic capsules provide a significantly lower bacterial count than many of the probiotic supplements currently on the US market.
Most of the lower strength adult probiotic supplements contain at least ten billion CFUs of viable probiotic bacteria per serving, whilst a high potency probiotic such as VSL3 (also written VSL 3 and VSL#3) can contain up to 450 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria.
This low bacterial count per serving makes Align probiotic supplements expensive compared to other probiotic supplements. If you compare the cost of ten billion CFUs of this probiotic to other products on the market, you will find that comparatively Align Probiotic supplements are more expensive than many other products. Have a look at our cost comparison guide for more specific guidelines as to how to accurately compare the cost of different probiotic supplements.
Finally, Align probiotic supplements contain one strain of probiotic bacteria only. Many experts recommend taking a mixture of probiotic bacteria to increase the chances of at least one being effective for you.
Our Evaluation
This probiotic contains Bifidobacteria infantis (B.infantis) 35624, which has been shown both clinically and anecdotally to be of benefit for IBS. We feel however that the low bacterial count (CFUs) contained in this product, its high cost compared to other probiotic supplements, the significant number of additional ingredients contained in this product together with the fact that the product only contains one strain of probiotic bacteria, all limit the product. Thus we have given the product a rating of three stars.
Where Can I Buy Align Probiotics
You can buy Align probiotics from Amazon.com.